This has been the shadiest, shadiest process ever and unfortunately, it is our children who will have to pay for this. Controversy in Newberg persists after the recent Newberg School Board decision to ban both Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, and Pride flags. Those are my kids' classrooms that you are taking money from.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Director Zone 4 To me its sad that were still doing this, because Ive been out here doing this since the 60s and we have to keep being on top of it., I would tell them to listen to the folks. The initial vote drew immediate backlash from community members, sparking peaceful protests from the LGBTQ and Black communities. Morelock, who was silent up to that point during the discussion of the resolution, answered. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Maybe it's nothing to you as a white privileged male, but it's a really big deal to a lot of our community, a lot of our staff, and a lot of our students.. Newberg is a town of 23,000 situated 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Portland. The lawsuit named the school district as well as Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart as defendants. Newberg, Oregon 97132. Board members said they did not receive the documents until the executive session that evening. The decision comes a few months after a judge sided. The main office is located at 714 E. Sixth Street in Newberg. Easterday also granted the school districts and board members argument that the policy is not necessarily discriminatory under Article 1, Section 20 of the state constitution. The remaining board members have been involved in multiple lawsuits. Related: Newberg school board officially approves policy banning political symbols. Thomas Crist, a Portland attorney who filed a friend of the court brief in the case on behalf of the plaintiffs, concurred with his cohort from the legal community. Removing Superintendent Morelock from his post is part of a troubling national trend of extremist school boards ousting experienced, valuable school leaders, which is detrimental to the students they are supposed to serve. 408-472-4257, RonRilee NEWBERG, Ore. (KOIN) The Newberg Education Association is suing the Newberg School District after the. We're so sorry. Sign up to get important news and culture from around the Northwest, delivered to your inbox six days a week. This page is not available in other languages. PORTLAND, Ore. (Pamplin Media Group) The union that represents the nearly 300 teachers in the Newberg School District is heralding a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the school boards 2021 ban on BLM, Pride and other political symbols in classrooms was unconstitutional. Cherice Boch (left) and her son Espen at a Newberg protest on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. In late September, the ban was amended following concerns about its legality after the ACLU threatened to sue the school board if it did not reconsider the policy. ", Oregon school district parent: Students of color 'are under attack' at Newberg schools, the Newberg Public Schools board voted 4-3 to keep any sort of political signage out of schools. I tell people you can pretend to care but you cant pretend to show up. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Be a part of it! I just cant stand for it., The lack of action prior to this did not demonstrate any harm. Defendants and their agents acted under color or authority of state law, the lawsuit continued. Penner and Piros said the packet outlining the resolution to fire Morelock was not provided to board members until the executive meeting, hours before the board meeting, and so there was insufficient time to review the motion. The students are not being heard., The board was also expected to work on "replacement language" for the district's anti-racism policy and consider re-examining the Oregon Department of Education's "Every Student Belongs" policy, which, in part, "prohibits hate symbols, specifically three of the most recognizable symbols of hate in the U.S. the swastika, the Confederate flag, and the noose.". I dont serve Black people, an attendant told her. The judge ruled Thursday that a policy banning certain symbols displayed in schools is unconstitutional. abruptly firing former Newberg superintendent Joe Morelock without cause, he board named as its next superintendent, Stephen Phillips. Shotts asked the court to declare that the boards policy was unconstitutional and the court agreed, at least with respect to the free speech guarantee in Article I, Section 8, Crist said in an earlier story. Board of Directors 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The ACLU has threatened to sue if the ban remains on the books, and its not clear how this new bans legalese will affect its prosecution. He didnt rush to do something he felt was illegal; he was protecting the school district from our rashness, and that is what a CEO does, he sees the big, big picture, Piros said. A sign depicting a rainbow flag with a heart superimposed, along with the words Be Known, in Shotts classroom window at Dundee Elementary was the subject of the first complaint under the policy. "Anti-free speech, anti-free expression, anti-safety.". Everything will work out eventually OK," he said. To get in touch with any Director, you may contact them directly or contact School Board Secretaryat 503-554-5000 The entire Board can be reached atboardmembers@newberg.k12.or.us. If the school board had rescinded the policy back in August 2021, when we along with our Newberg community, spoke out publicly against the changes, and then again when we directly addressed the board on the matter warning them we would be forced to pursue legal action and finally when we served them with a tort claims notice, we could have saved hours of legal preparation and public funds, it said in the release. No final order has been made. About 100 protesters gathered in downtown Newberg on Tuesday, weeks after a new conservative school board majority voted to ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners in their buildings. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They think this quality will be hindered by the presence of ideological symbols. They will be losing resources out of their classrooms. Gunn then appealed Morelock's decision to the school board. The Newberg School Board's choice to ban BLM and Pride flags came following a shift in the Boards composition. The conservative majority on the school board in Newberg voted 4 to 3 to adopt a policy that has attracted national attention, criticism and protests in the weeks since it was introduced. ", "This feels so draconian this feels so anti-everything," Penner said. Former board member Ines Pea resigned several months ago, alleging that she faced a toxic work environment on the board. In a statement shared Thursday, the Oregon legislatures Black, Indigenous, People of Color Caucus said the boards decisions threaten Newbergs economic vitality. The group also said it will take action in the next legislative session. [3][4], In the 2009 school year, the district had 156 students classified as homeless by the Department of Education, or 3.0% of students in the district. The board's main job is to establish District policy. And Im just very disappointed in this decision., Thanks Rebecca, Morelock told her. And the packet that we just received a couple of hours ago, while we were in a meeting, is certainly not sufficient time for me to review it and understand it.. But the board voted, again 4 to 3, to keep paying the attorney. We're going to lose so much from this action. Latino leaders could collaborate with Black communities. A pair of petitions to recall Newberg school board vice chair Brian Shannon and board chair Dave Brown have each officially obtained enough signatures to qualify for a vote next month, Yamhill . This article was published more than1 year ago. "This feels so draconian this feels so anti-everything," one board member said. It argued that the boards ban introduced as an amendment to board policy GBG in July 2021 by vice-chairman Brian Shannon and approved by chairman Dave Brown and directors Renee Powell and Trevor DeHart was so vague and overbroad it could impact teachers abilities to work in the district. The school board initially voted on Aug. 10 to ban those specific symbols in the classroom. And those are my kids. Forms will also be available at the regular session board meetings. They gathered at 4:15pm on Sept. 29 at the Newberg city centers flagpole where, fittingly, the citys major highway splits. The boards decision comes at a time when Newberg, a city of 25,000 in Oregons wine country, has been embroiled in state and national culture wars over free speech, racism and vaccinations. "I have no idea, financially, how our school district will recover from this. What brought you out tonight to the protest? Ashley Pea, a Newberg student, said she came to the protest because the school board didn't listen to enough students before making their decision on Aug. 10. Take action today! Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). The board enacted contentious policies over the past year, including a ban on teachers displaying pride and Black Lives Matter displays on campuses which was later expanded to all political displays after legal concerns and abruptly firing former Newberg superintendent Joe Morelock without cause. [7] This ban ended in 2023. The Newberg School Board has rescinded a controversial policy that banned staff from putting up political signs or displays in schools. In a 4-3 vote, the Newberg school board decided to terminate the district's superintendent, Joe Morelock, during a meeting . All meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions as authorized by law. Numerous school and district administrators also have resigned from the district. Robert Till, who is gay and a sophomore at Newberg High School, told the Associated Press that he is embarrassed to live in the city because of the ban. The Newberg School Board is responsible for providing a quality educational program for about 5,000 District students. NEWBERG, Ore. When the Newberg School District Board of Directors voted 4-3 to fire former Superintendent Joe Morelock without cause on Nov. 9, multiple dissenting board members. The ACLU of Oregon and law firm Davis Wright Tremaine argued that the ban violates the Oregon Constitution. Director Zone 1 But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. In response to the reoccurring demonstrations against the School Board's decision, a group of counter-protesters who support the School Board's decision stood on the southeast side of the intersection. After hearing from a fraction of community members who have opinions on the subject, the Newberg Public Schools board voted 4-3 to keep any sort of political signage out of schools. Superintendents for Greater Albany Public Schools, Adrian School District School, and Woodburn have all been removed this year, for varying reasons. The appointee serves until June of the next election year, which in this case is 2023. We wish you well, were so sorry, she said. Since the school board approved the policy in September 2021, tension and conflict has continued among school board members, district employees and those in the Newberg community. The Yamhill County Circuit Court has made a decision in a case filed last year by a Newberg teacher against the school district and four members of the school board. The settlement, rendered in December, means the court case will not go forward. Board vacancies are filled through appointments made by a majority vote of the remaining board members, according to district policy. At the end of the meeting, the resolution to fire Morelock passed, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting in favor. Shame on our school district for making decisions about these kids lives as if they really cared. Those wishing to speak at the regular session will need to complete the Newberg School Board Public Comment form and submit it to the board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Group showed footage of fatal Breonna Taylor raid at restaurant event, dine BLM co-founders cousin dies after police repeatedly use Taser, video shows, Bidens marijuana policy may change attitudes toward immigrants. These are their words, edited for brevity and clarity, (From left to right) Amanda Boothby, Morgaine Terry, Abbee Mortensen and Emily Labahn at the Newberg protest on Tuesday night. They were represented by Karen OCasey of the Portland law firm Hart Wanger. Why would you remove something that wasnt harmful but is going to cause harm?, Roland Herrera, a Keizer City Council member, says he attended the Newberg protest against the political ban in the school district to support his neighbors. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The Newberg Education Association argues the policy violates multiple sections of the Oregon and U.S. constitutions. A conservative majority now exists on the Board, after the local group "Save our Schools . The union claims that the district policy violates state and federal constitution. Newberg school board votes to fire superintendent, no cause given. "I feel like this is the nail in the coffin as far as her desire to stay and keep making change here," she said. Late Tuesday night, the Newberg Education Association released a statement on the firing of Morelock: During tonights school board meeting, the 4 board majority fired Superintendent Joe Morelock for no cause. In a first, House Democrats elected a Black leader. It protects marginalized populations in our student and staff bodies. The new dynamic has allowed the conservative board members to pass motions that the previous board neither permitted nor passed. "I'm baffled why you feel this needed to be done and why you feel it needed to be done tonight," Piros said. Tue, January 18th 2022, 2:18 PM PST. rennet@newberg.k12.or.us. Director Zone 5 The two agenda items were pushed to a meeting later in August. School board director and vice chair Brian Shannon, who voted for the measure and added the language about apparel, said the "main goal of this is to get political symbols and divisive symbols out of our schools so we can focus on the already difficult task of educating our students in the core subjects.". Easterday granted a summary judgment in the case of teacher Chelsea Shotts vs. the district and the four conservative members of the board. Elected in 2019 - Term expires 6/30/23 The board also voted Tuesday on whether to retain lawyer Tyler Smith, an outside attorney they initially hired at the end of August. My mom, in the 50s and 60s, fought for Black rights. Families, staff, and community members marched in support of the LGBTQ+ community and Black Lives Matter ahead of a Newberg school board meeting Aug. 10, 2021. Penner and Piros spoke out against the resolution and the board's four members who were in support of it. IE 11 is not supported. Today we are here because the School Board has to right a wrongthey must repeal this bad policythey must do it tonight. These strong words were amplified through a bullhorn by Newberg Teachers Union president Jen Schnieder. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Contacting a School Board Member "These symbols arent hurting anyone and I dont see why banning them is necessary," said Pea. I wanna ask why? The ban is complaint-based. Many have called for the recall process of Board Member Shannon, the driving force behind the ban. It wasnt until the meeting started, more than a half hour past the original 7 p.m. start time, that board chair Dave Brown added an agenda item to discuss the superintendent. The 4-3 decision drew widespread scrutiny regionally and across the U.S. as national news outlets reported on some of the blowback, namely the construction of a large Pride flag within sight of the citys high school. It supports all the steps we have taken to fight the policy change. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Director Zone 3 Joe Morelock, Newberg school board hires new superintendent with past controversies in Beaverton, Jewell, Lawsuit targets Newberg school district policy banning political symbols. A simple pride or BLM flag in a classroom shows the love and acceptance that we need, Till said. VIDEO:School board fires Newberg School District superintendent. Board Vice-Chair, Director Zone 7 Thats not their place, Shannon said. Two of those board members were elected this past May. It's a huge hit to our school district," she said. State Rep. Ricki Ruiz said he was "disappointed by the actions taken from Newberg School Directors to ban pride and BLM flags from schools, and their attempts to roll back on anti-racist school policies such as the Every Student Belongs policy. What brought you out tonight to the protest? The district will have to pay Morelocks salary and benefits for the next 12 months, according to a reading of Morelocks contract during the meeting. This move is yet another example of a board majority bringing instability to our schools. On Thursday, Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Easterday ruled that the policy is unconstitutional under Article 1, Section 8 of the Oregon Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech and the press. Gov. Shannon introduced in July the explicit ban in the classroom of political signs and flags, such as those with Pride and BLM symbols. The three board members who did not vote for the policy banning controversial or political symbols resigned over the course of the last year, alleging harassment. . You know exactly why," she said. Joe Morelock last November, two board members faced recall elections in January, and since last year, dozens of staff members have resigned from the district, including several district administrators and principals from six of the districts 10 schools. Is Wakanda Forever too woke for Marvels own good? He has been key in the transformation of a struggling district. The amended policy remains as a ban on all political or quasi-political signs displayed by teachers. These counter-protesters noted they simply wanted to voice their support for the ban. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. As an elected official you want to listen to understand their perspective and put yourself in the shoes of a gay person or trans person. [1], It is mostly in Yamhill County, where it serves the cities of Newberg and Dundee. The quality of some of the stories that we heard should count more than just the number of emails that we received, said Pea, who was wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt and rainbow headband during the virtual meeting. On the day before Thanksgiving, as Newberg school district staff scrambled to fulfill other duties after the firing of superintendent Joe Morelock, Newberg School Board chair Dave Brown. So, not not removing Pride and BLM or any other group of people that wants to demonstrate acceptance, pride and support, none of that was harmful before. Kate Brown (D) announced last month that all teachers, staff and volunteers in the states public schools had to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18. My daughter wears rainbow pajamas all the time, Shannon said. Newbergs board isnt the first in Oregon to terminate its superintendent this year. The complainant appealed the decision. After voicing strong objection to the move, the board's other three members, Rebecca Piros, Brandy Penner and Ines Pea, voted against. On behalf of Dr. Morelock and the work he has begun, we will continue to fight for safe, stable learning environments for our students. The Newberg School District and four of its board members face a lawsuit over a policy banning political and quasi-political symbols. The board voted to adjourn the meeting, but not before Piros addressed Morelock. About 100 people turned out to protest the Newberg school board's decision to ban Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols. Heres what that means. She pointed at the opposition: We dont have a problem with them here, but they dont even let us get near them. As a family with BLM and Pride signs passed by the small contingent of conservatives, a Black father shouted, Black Lives Matter doesnt represent me. He and his son brought out a banner that read, #All Lives Matter.. This is not a functioning business meeting, Penner said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The Newberg teachers union said the firing was another example of a board majority bringing instability to the districts schools. The ban on displaying such symbols in the classroom has been condemned by the Newberg City Council and Oregon Democrats, and the Oregon State Board of Education has called on the school board to reverse course. Other lawsuits The disputes in the Newberg School Board have come as schools nationwide have become rife with arguments over vaccine and mask mandates, how racism is addressed in teaching, instruction related to sexuality and gender-neutral bathrooms. Take action today! During the meeting, staff members visibly shook their heads and teared up. In a statement sent after the meeting, the Superintendent Cabinet of Newberg Public Schools said it is "shocked and dismayed that the Board would take this disruptive action in the middle of the school year.". There is no point in a federal judge striking down something that a state judge already had.. The lawsuit further argued that prohibiting teachers from displaying signs in their classrooms was a violation of their rights of free speech and free association guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. With their continued attack on symbols of support for Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ pride, the school board is on a dangerous and harmful path. "I protest that none of you had anything to say about why you wanted to do this, that the public is ," Piros said before she was interrupted by Brown. Schneider and other members who oppose the ban believe the flags provide a source of safety and security to underrepresented and vulnerable students. The board is also expected to discuss challenging the state's mask mandate at their next meeting. Under the Public Records laws any record (e.g. Board member. I always tell people you can pretend to care but you cant pretend to show up, said Herrera. The move elicited suspicion by the three minority members of the . (If you do NOT receive a confirmation receipt for your public comment request, please reach out to Tabitha directly at 503.554.5041). He was hired as the permanent Superintendent beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. Just stop the hate. Pender said when Morelock was hired, she felt like there was hope for the first time that the school district was headed in a better direction. Board Chair, Director Zone 6 She announced her decision at a board meeting Tuesday night, citing a "toxic work environment." At a demonstration Sunday, BLM supporters protesting the school boards policy clashed with some members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that has endorsed violence, according to the Portland Tribune. The school boards vote to terminate their superintendent Tuesday night comes after months of local and national attention on their effort to ban what proponents deemed political symbols, as well as several racist incidents involving staff and students. Pefferle was fired over the blackface incident, according to the Newberg Graphic. I will do everything in my power to create an environment that makes all students feel safe and supported so they can learn and thrive, Shotts said. Think about the lives it will really affect. "Just remember that from the darkest dark comes the brightest light.
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